We're Dragonriders Now (2/2)

Writers: Francesca
Date Posted: 29th July 2024

Characters: L'rin, A'lin, Redorin, Niolin, Linra, Inora, Reilin
Description: L'rin and A'lin's family members watch the Hatching and congratulate the new weyrlings.
Location: Barrier Lake Weyr
Date: month 13, day 1 of Turn 11

L'rin

A'lin

Linra had found the Hatching magical. At 11 Turns old, she could remember what life had been before the Weyrhold had been built right next door. And now, this was her second time attending a Hatching, and it was all so exciting. First, Lenorin had Impressed a brown, leading her normally taciturn father to let out a whoop and her mother to clap excitedly. And then, a green had chosen a young woman from the Stands. She didn't even know that could happen. And, soon after that, Arlin had Impressed a blue. She noticed her parents didn't seem as excited about that, but wasn't sure why.

When she didn't think anything more amazing could happen, a girl had Impressed a blue, which had caused quite a stir. She wasn't sure if people found that moment, or the girl Impressing from the Stands, more interesting.

"Maybe we should just head home," Redorin said, as the Stands began clearing.

"Nonsense," his wife said. "Both boys Impressed. We now have dragonriders in the family."

"I wonder what their names are now," Linra interjected. "And their dragons' names, We have to go!"

Her father continued thinking of excuses to leave, proud one son was a brownrider but not sure how to act around a bluerider son. "Doesn't Reilin need a nap or something? Maybe you should take the kids and I'll stay to talk to them."

"We'll see them at some point anyway," her mother replied. "It will be fine."

"I want meatrolls!" Reilen said excitedly, knowing there would be a feast with food.

"And sweets!" her sister, Inora, added.

"We'll make it fast," her father said in a resigned tone.

*** Half a candlemark later ***

"There they are!" Linra called around a bite of pie, excited she was the first to see them. "Hey!" she called, jumping and waving her arms.

L'rin soon saw them and strode over confidently, A'lin trailing behind.

Linra, Inora, and Reilin gave both brothers a big hug, L'rin picking Reilin up. "We did it!" he said proudly.

"So, what are your names now?" Linra asked.

"And your dragons' names!" Inora added.

L'rin, as always, shared first, followed by a quieter A'lin.

Redorin and Niolin had been standing back, letting the siblings have a moment together. Finally, Niolin stepped forward. "Congratulations," she told her stepsons, giving each of them a hug. "We knew you could do it. And we look forward to meeting your dragons soon. Are they sleeping?"

"Yeah," A'lin replied. His heart had been beating quickly during the entire walk to their family, wondering how they would all react. He let himself relax for a moment in his stepmother's arms, glad they had all stayed to congratulate them. That had to be a good sign.

"Yes, congratulations," Redorin echoed, giving L'rin a clap on the back and a nod to A'lin. A'lin noticed the difference but, although disappointed, wasn't surprised.

"Soon, we'll be able to take you all around Pern," L'rin said excitedly. "We can go to Gathers and beaches and all sorts of things. And Yasanth will be as big as a bronze."

"I'm sure he will be," Niolin said with a small smile.

Their conversation was brief, but friendly, and avoided all mention of dragon color. After their family had headed back home, A'lin heaved a huge mental sigh of relief. It could have gone worse. And it would remain awkward, especially once they saw Oberlith. However, he hoped they could maintain some kind of relationship.

"Let's go get some wine. We need to celebrate!"

L'rin's words brought A'lin back to the present. "Yeah, ok." Without his family there, he could relax and begin to enjoy life as one of Pern's newest dragonriders.

Last updated on the August 18th 2024

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We're Dragonriders Now (2/2)